1. Use a humidifier: Using a humidifier can help maintain a consistent level of humidity in the computer lab, which can prevent the negative effects of low humidity.

2. Avoid dry air: Avoid creating a dry environment in the computer lab by opening windows or using fans to increase air circulation.

3. Regular maintenance: Ensure that all computer components are properly maintained and cleaned to prevent damage due to static electricity.

4. Backup data: Regularly backup all important data to avoid data loss in case of hardware failure caused by low humidity.

5. Monitor humidity levels: Use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity levels in the computer lab and take corrective measures if the levels fall below a safe range.

6. Use anti-static materials: Use anti-static mats or wristbands when handling computer components to prevent static electricity buildup.

State four advantages for using a graphical user interface in loading programs and files

• User friendly
• No need to know command language as commands are executed by clicking on icons
• Allows multitasking as several programs open at the same time therefore easier to switch between applications
• Selecting an item using a mouse is easier and faster than entering commands

Or any other correct response

Advantage @ 1 Mark

Total = 4 X 1 Mark

= 4 Marks

A vehicle assembly company has introduced robots to replace the human workforce.  State two effects this would have on the workforce                

• Unemployment
• Need to retrain
• No longer need to do hazardous or tedious jobs
• Employment of skilled staff who will manipulate the robots

Or any other correct response

Effect @ 1 Mark

Total = 2 X 1 Mark

= 2 Marks

• Recommendation on whether to continue or abandon the project
• Methods used to collect data
• benefits and limitations expected
• the technology required to develop and maintain the project
• Installation and running cost
• Time limit

• VM is used when RAM is full  i.e part of the secondary storage used as (temporary) RAM/VM
• Data from RAM is moved to the secondary storage/VM (to make space in RAM)
• RAM can then be filled with new data
• When data in VM is needed it is moved back to RAM

• Implementation

• a computer that responds to requests to provide information and services over the Internet - an Internet server
• defines how messages are transmitted and formatted over the Internet-HTTP
• software that enables users to access/view documents and other resources on the Internet - Browser     
• numerical ID for each device on the Internet-IP address
• unique ID for a network interface card  -MAC address

Advantages of  of Hard Disk Drive

• Hard disk drives are cheaper per gigabyte than solid state drives.
• Hard disks have a longer lifespan than solid state drives

Disadvantages of Hard Disk Drives

• Consumes more power than SDD
• They are noisy.
• They are slower than solid state drives.
• They are susceptible to wear and tear as they have movable parts.

Advantages of Solid State Drives

• Are faster than HDDs
• It is more durable as it does not have moving parts
• Consumes less power
• Are not noisy

Disadvantages of SDD

• It costs more than a conventional hard disk
• Have fewer write/erase cycles compared to a hard disk drive
• Lost data cannot not be recovered

Manages memory (RAM)

•  Allocates memory to programs currently executing 

Ensures programs/data do not corrupt each other

• Ensures all programs and data including itself is stored in correct memory locations

Manages processes

• Ensures different processes can utilise the CPU and do not interfere with each other or crash  

Allows the user to run programs 

• On a multitasking operating system, it ensures that all tasks appear to run simultaneously 

Other roles

• Allocates time slices
• Scheduling of programs
• Handles interrupts
• Allows the user to configure hardware

– if one station/cable fails, others are not affected
– easier to identify faults when using star topologies
– it is easier to expand this type of network
– performance doesn’t deteriorate under load

• An agreement / set of rules / standard for how computers should communicate or how data is sent/received/transmitted on a network
• Example of what could be agreed in the protocol (e.g. speed / error checking / etc.)

Encryption software

• Scramble/encode/mix up data so it cannot be read/understood if intercepted/stolen

Defragmentation s/w

• Move free space together and Move files together hence enabling Faster access to files

(Data) compression s/w

• Reduce the file size of files or makes files smaller inorder  To use less storage space
• enables Faster transmission
• enables storage of more files

Anti-virus / anti-malware s/w

• To help protect computer/data against viruses/malware
• To scan the computer to look for/quarantine/remove viruses/malware

Disk analysis and repair s/w

• Scan disk and look for faults
• Prevent the loss of data due to faulty disk

Auto-update

•  Checks Internet for new versions of software/OS
• Downloads and installs without user interaction

Firewall

• Examine incoming and outgoing traffic
• To help restrict/prevent unauthorised access over a network

 ...over a network/external source

• it is easier / quicker to read/write/understand
• it is easier / quicker to debug
• code is portable.

Multimedia Capability - A laptop with strong multimedia capabilities is essential for a computer studies project submitted on CD-RW. This ensures that the laptop can efficiently handle multimedia content, providing a seamless experience in creating and presenting project materials.

Processor Speed - Opting for a laptop with a high processor speed is crucial. This feature enables the smooth execution of multiple applications simultaneously, enhancing overall project efficiency and reducing processing delays.

Hard Disk Capacity - Consider a laptop with ample hard disk capacity, as the Microsoft Office suite used in computer projects requires significant space for the installation and storage of project files. A spacious hard drive ensures that there is sufficient room for data and applications.

Main Memory Capacity - Given that students often work with multiple programs concurrently during a project, it's important to choose a laptop with an adequate main memory size. A smaller main memory may result in performance issues, hindering the seamless operation of various software applications during project development.

• All processes are held in a queue 
• Processes are prioritised 
• Processes are switched On each clock cycle

• The OS allocates CPU time to each process, and prioritises them in the order of importance

• It refers to a system software that provides a platform for installation and execution of an application software and also manages the computer hardware

(a) Phishing

• Phishing is a strategy that encourages a computer user to part with sensitive information such as bank details hence the term ‘phishing’ – i.e. fishing – trying to catch someone out. For example, a perpetrator sends a user an email that appears to be genuine, for example, pretending to be a bank or a lawyer requesting that the user verify bank account details or send money to assist in the completing of a legal case.

(b) DoS

• DoS is a means of attack on a specific user/system/website which involves overloading a target with too much network traffic resulting in system slowdown, shutdown or a violation of security.

Direct changeover – new system replaces existing system immediately/overnight

 Parallel running – new system runs alongside/together with existing system

Parallel running – there is always the old system to fall back on in the event of the new system failing/information is not lost/always a second copy

Direct changeover – if things go wrong lose all data/old system is not available

Direct changeover – training is more difficult to organise

Parallel running – training can be gradual Parallel running is more expensive to implement than direct changeover....

Direct changeover is a quicker method of implementation than parallel running

Direct Changeover: The old system is stopped completely, and the new system is started. All of the data that used to be input into the old system, now goes into the new one.

 Parallel Running: The new system is started, but the old system is kept running in parallel (side-by-side) for a while. All of the data that is input into the old system, is also input into the new one. Eventually, the old system will be stopped, but only when the new system has been proven to work.

• By use of an ergonomic keyboard
• She should take regular breaks from her computer and stretch her joints
• She should use standard furniture with an upright backrest to reduce strain on the back

• More RAM will improve the performance of the computer 
• More RAM will speed up the access to data
• Excessive use of VM can cause disk thrashing which decreases performance
• VM is slower to access than RAM direct (because it has to go back to RAM first)
• Moving data between RAM and VM takes processor time